Reduced Annual Retention Fee announced

Following our three-year strategy consultation, today we are pleased to announce a reduction of the Annual Retention Fee (ARF), the fee all dental professionals pay each year to remain on the register. 

 

The new levels have been set at:

 

• £680 for dentists

• £114 for dental care professionals

 

These lower levels reflect the expected costs of regulating dentists and dental care professionals over the next three years. They are possible due to our reduced operating costs, robust financial controls and significant changes to the organisation. In addition, they reflect our aim to remove cross subsidy between different registrant groups wherever practicable, including the introduction of an assessment fee for new applicants which is planned for next year.

 

One of the aims in our recent strategy consultation was to provide more transparency, both around the fees we charge and the activity we undertake to fulfil our statutory duty of protecting the public and maintaining public confidence in dental services. We look forward to publishing that finalised strategy later this year which will confirm our ambitious programme of work for the next three years.

 

The new levels apply to the next rounds of ARF collection, which for dentists is by 31 December 2019, and for dental care professionals is by 31 July 2020. They will remain in place, barring any unforeseen exceptional circumstances, for the next three years, providing increased certainty for dental professionals.

For dental professionals who have a Direct Debit already set up, please note that these will be automatically updated and you don't need to take any action.

For more information, visit the ARF webpage.